Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2006
STYLISTICALLY THE Taittinger house style is refined and elegant (think Grace Kelly). They maintain a high percentage of chardonnay in all of their cuvées and Comtes de Champagne is a pure expression of the grape. This is a generous, yet supple expression of chardonnay balanced with pitch-perfect tension and acidity. The balance of concentration and fruit ripeness is exquisite with exemplary length, mousse and texture that gracefully dances across the palate. Aromas of flint and soft spices are followed by a textural cacophony of ripe lemon, toasty brioche and a savoury finish. The 2006 vintage marks the 26th release of this wine since 1952.
FAMILY HISTORY Although their deep, chalk cellars date to the eighteenth century, the Taittinger family were Parisian wine merchants until Pierre Taittinger purchased the winery in 1932 from the Forest- Fourneaux family. In 1934 he purchased the Château de la Marquetterie and its 16 hectares of cru vineyards. Today Taittinger is led by the effervescent Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger alongside his daughter Vitalie and son Clovis who are actively involved in daily operations. Since taking over the reins in 2006, Pierre-Emmanuel has successfully grown Taittinger to become the sixth largest Champagne-producing house, while keeping quality at its fundamental core. Champagne is serious business, however Pierre-Emmanuel, with his ‘joie de vivre’, would be the first to say, “Relax and enjoy the moment.”